Kwara State honoured its National Youth Games (NYG) heroes and heroines on Friday with a colourful reception in Ilorin, rewarding medal-winning athletes and their parents with education-focused cash support.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Executive Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, stated that the gesture was a strategic investment in the future of the state's rising sports talents ensuring both their academic and athletic growth.

"We asked them to come with their parents because they are underage and cannot yet open bank accounts," the Governor's representative said at the George Innih Stadium. "This support is for school fees, uniforms whatever boosts their education. It's a form of scholarship."

Kwara's rapid rise at the National Youth Games formed the backdrop of the celebration. From previously placing 19th and 23rd, the state has impressively climbed to 7th, then 6th in Asaba, and now a remarkable 5th position at the latest edition.

Mogaji commended the athletes for delivering the state's biggest-ever medal haul, with 21 out of the 26 sports entered producing podium finishes an achievement he described as unprecedented. More than N8 million was distributed as incentives.

"In the entire northern region, we are the only state seriously competing with the South-South and Southwest," Mogaji noted. "This token to their parents is to enhance their scholarship."

The ceremony attracted several government officials, including the Governor's Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Olayinka Fafoluyi, who encouraged the young athletes to remain disciplined and committed to their goals.

Governor AbdulRazaq also urged parents to support their children in balancing academics with sports. "They should read their books and still do sports. It builds their future," he said.

Speaking on behalf of all parents, Mr. Abdulsalam Abdullah commended the administration for recognising the achievements of the young athletes and pledged continued support for sports development in the state.

With sustained investment and improved facilities, Kwara State appears poised to solidify its status as one of Nigeria's emerging youth sports powerhouses powered by the new generation of NYG medal-winning talents.